Lee Johnson on Crewe Clash

Ahead of the Reds’ clash with Crewe Alexandra, Head Coach Lee Johnson spoke to the media, giving his thoughts about what to expect from the Railwaymen.

Despite being at the foot of the table, Steve Davis’ side are not to be taken lightly and Johnson knows they will pose another difficult assignment.

He said: “It’s a good, tough game. Every game is tough, they are bottom of the league but we haven’t fared well against teams at the bottom.

“We’ve fared better against teams at the top rather than teams at the bottom and it’s a different mind-set and we’re going to need our fans.

“If it doesn’t go well early, we can’t get frustrated. We can still win the game in 90 minutes and we have to go into it nice and positive.”

Johnson added the Reds wanted more out of the Doncaster game but has been indebted to his squad this week.

“They were disappointed about the game last week because they felt we should have got something out of it,” he added. “They picked me up this week though with their enthusiasm and energy.

“They were chomping at the bit to play on Tuesday so I expect that energy to double this weekend and release their frustration and energy in this game.”

Lee assessed his injuries and absentees ahead of the game, with three players away on international duty and one injury worry.

He assessed: “Ryan Williams is progressing slowly but surely and he is one take time with. While we’ve got players that can do the same job in the same role but we need to make sure lungs are ok.

“It is a fine balance but we’re hoping he’ll be back and training within the next week to 10 days but we’re not going to rush him.

“Joe Rothwell has an operation booked to take his tonsils out on October 22nd, so until then he’ll be available but when he has that, he’ll have his tonsils out but he will be missing for a month.

“Dan Crowley has met up with the England Under-19s, Simeon Jackson is away with Canada and Conor Wilkinson has also left so we have a small, intimate group but we can focus on some tactical stuff today.”

Johnson felt the Bradford game’s postponement was unfortunate but that it gives the players some extra time to recover.

“It was unfortunate but it probably was the right decision and it was dangerous because the ball getting stuck, there were puddles all over the pitch puddles all over but that care for players was good.

“It was a nice mental break for the players but now it focusses in on the games in hand and Saturday. The players have had the option of a swim, cycle or fartlek run so we’ll get the results today and see what they’ve been doing.”

The Head Coach feels there has been some inconsistency with results but thinks the side are close to hitting top gear.

“I look at myself and think’ what am I doing, what can I do more?’ and hopefully the players are doing that at home as well,” Johnson detailed.

“We have to look at it and realise where we are. We’re in touch with a game in hand, we have a good group that are getting better.

“But we have to stick in and keep doing what we believe and keep working hard. The glass is half full for me at this moment."